During the local government elections held on March 16, the Mackay Regional Council emerged as one of the top spenders in Queensland, according to the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ).

With a reported expenditure totalling $515,793.33 and a donation total of $217,177.60, Mackay joined the ranks in the top five of major urban areas such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast in campaign spending.

Comparing Mackay's expenditure with other major regional areas, Townsville reported an expenditure of $331,648.04 with donations totalling to $272,689.54. Cairns spent $365,583.79 and received $91,009.49 in donations. Rockhampton's expenditure was $25,898.32, with donations amounting to $4,013 and Toowoomba reported $176,855.04 in expenditure and $38,028.50 in donations.

Only Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast surpassed Mackay in election-related expenditure showcasing the city's significant investment in its electoral campaign.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen emphasised the importance of candidates submitting election summary returns.

“Disclosure of gifts and money spent during the election period provides transparency and ensures the integrity of the election process,” Mr Vidgen said. 

“The election summary return shows all electoral expenditure incurred for an election and is required, under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, to be returned within 15 weeks of an election being held.”

Vidgen noted that while most candidates have now submitted their election summary returns, there are still approximately 100 outstanding and lodging an election summary return is a requirement for all candidates.

“It’s important to note that even if a candidate hasn’t incurred any electoral expenditure or received any gifts or loans that the return must still be lodged,” he said. 
 
“It’s great to see that all elected candidates have complied with this obligation.”
 
The ECQ issued nearly 100 fines to candidates for failing to lodge an election summary return following the 2020 local government elections. 

Local government areas with the highest electoral expenditure were:
Brisbane City Council – $4,350,444.58
Gold Coast City Council – $590,757.42
Sunshine Coast Regional Council – $525,782.93
Mackay Regional Council - $515,793.33
Logan City Council – $455,383.15

Mackay emerged as one of the top five spenders in Queensland's local government elections

Opinion Piece

“The State and Federal Labor Governments must be held to account for their disastrous and mismanaged phaseout of commercial gillnets across Queensland, which is now seeing our local fishos consider walking away permanently,” Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said.

The local MP has said that the ban on commercial gillnets was announced amid pressure from international activist organisations.

“It was not backed by any scientific reasoning, and there was no consultation with industry experts or the local men and women whose livelihoods are being destroyed,” Mr Willcox added.

“As your Federal Member, I am calling for a review of the unworkable and ludicrous restrictions that are being placed on those who hold a temporary NX fishing licence.

“The introduction of the temporary NX licences were touted as a lifeline for our local fishos, however the restrictions and increased regulatory requirements are seeing an increasing number of people leaving the industry completely.”

Mr Willcox added that these fishermen and women are being pressured out of their industry.

“An industry that has supported them, their families, and entire communities for generations, and we are seeing small businesses who rely on this industry really hurting,” he said.

“Since this ban was announced, I have held extensive consultations with local fishermen and women, I have called for a Senate Inquiry into the ban of commercial gillnets, which the Labor party and the Greens voted against, and I have attended community rallies organised by those whose industry is being shut down.

“I invited the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, and the Prime Minister to visit our electorate and talk to our local fishermen and women, an invitation that they have ignored.

“This decision made by the State and Federal Labor Governments is a betrayal to our regional communities that rely on our fishing industry.

“This harsh government intervention and inadequate rollout of the temporary NX licences is jeopardising the lives of our fishers.

“As your Federal Member, I will continue to do everything in my power to fight for the people living and working in my electorate of Dawson and to hold those in power to account.”

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Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox addresses major concerns regarding local fishers potentially facing an uncertain future as government fails to consult on gillnet ban. Image supplied

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QUEENSLAND FISHOS UNABLE TO STAY AFLOAT

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In my observation, we do seem to spend a lot of time focussing on the negatives in our careers (and lives). The negative mindset is so often our ‘go to’ – what we haven’t achieved, and comparing ourselves to others can rapidly become a downward spiral and so de-motivating.

Being purposeful about celebrating our achievements, however small, and not comparing ourselves to others can boost motivation. Comparing ourselves to others is a risky distraction and potentially can derail the pursuit of our own goals.

Sometimes we need a jolt to do a personal reset to reinforce a positive mindset and build it into our personal toolkit.

Here are some strategies to help you focus on the positive and acknowledge your successes.

1. It’s about you and your goals
Identify goals that are specific to you and what you want to achieve. Celebrate when you reach milestones on your journey (and avoid comparing it to others).

2. Celebrate you!
Celebrate and enjoy what makes you unique. Forge your own path, which may be different from others, and acknowledge that your achievements are valuable on their own.

3. Create a personal reward system
Develop a reward system that works for you. Treat yourself to something enjoyable (it doesn’t need to involve big $) when you accomplish a task or reach a milestone, regardless of how it compares to others’ achievements.

4. Practice daily gratitude
Whether it be a gratitude journal where you note down things you’re thankful for each day, including small wins, and/or reciting gratitude mantra to start your day, this practice put the focus on reinforcing a positive mindset.

5. Know and work to your strengths
Identify your strengths and acknowledge these in your positive self-talk. Leveraging your strengths boosts your confidence and self-esteem.

6. Make your goals visible
What does success look like for you? Create a visual (e.g. picture board) and use it to track your achievements. Seeing your progress visually is strong motivation and reinforces your value on the journey. Celebrate the progress you have made over time.

7. Celebrate overcoming challenges
Celebrate any lessons learned. Obstacles are a part of the journey, and overcoming them is an achievement in itself.

8. Find your cheer squad
Surround yourself with a trusted few who will cheer you on and share in celebrating your success. Your cheer squad also will support and uplift you through the challenges.

Ultimately you are the judge of your own success (not others). Give yourself permission to celebrate your successes and accomplishments – big and small. By purposefully including these practices into your personal toolkit, you will learn to celebrate your journey – as well as the destination.

Sometimes working with someone else can give you more clarity on your strengths and desired milestones, this is where we can help. Contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to find out how.

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Cheree Ridolfi, a compassionate Mackay local, is spearheading a significant effort in the fight against cancer with her upcoming #ForkCancer Longest Table event on Saturday, the 3rd of August. This initiative aims to raise crucial funds for life-changing cancer research, addressing a sobering reality where approximately 444 Australians are diagnosed with cancer every day.

Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of cancer on her loved ones, Cheree's commitment to fundraising has been driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by this relentless illness.

"Every dollar raised counts towards making an impact in someone's life. I'm hoping to reach $5,000 so it can be doubled, because that will mean a whole treatment for somebody,” she said.

Thanks to Key Solutions Group, whose recent donation of $520 jumpstarted her efforts, local businesses and sponsors such as Epiroc, Debbie’s seafood and The Golf King Superstore have also jumped on board, offering discounts and vouchers to support her fundraising efforts.

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Scheduled for Saturday, August 3, the evening promises an atmosphere of elegance and camaraderie, featuring cocktail attire, gourmet nibbles, and lively auctions.

Cheree warmly invites everyone to donate, participate and celebrate together, highlighting that each contribution not only supports ground-breaking research but also fosters a supportive environment where hope is reignited and stories are shared.

For those interested in contributing, please visit www.thelongesttable.com.au/fundraisers/chereeridolfi or scan the provided QR code.

For any other donation or event enquiries, please email Cheree at: chereeridolfi@icloud.com

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Cheree Ridolfi will hold a #ForkCancer Longest Table on August 3, raising crucial funds in support of cancer research. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) announced the appointment of five new committee members, including new representatives from Mackay and Isaac Regional Councils following the election results.

Previous committee member Stephen Cutting has stepped into the role of Deputy Chair.

RDA GW CEO Robert Cocco said that the new committee members would be an “excellent complement to the existing committee’s skillset”.

"With extensive backgrounds in strategic planning, financial planning, community engagement, and management, their diverse skillsets will provide invaluable insights and be crucial in connecting with our stakeholders and working further towards our strategic goals," Mr. Cocco said.

RDA GW Chair Jeff Stewart-Harris said he was “excited” to welcome five new committee members - Al Grundy, Tony Bale, Kevin Kane, Melissa Westcott, and Belinda Hassan.

“Each brings a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a passion for regional development that will greatly enhance our efforts,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.

“Together, we will work towards advancing economic growth, creating new opportunities for our region, and making a positive impact in our community. I look forward to the collaboration and achievements ahead.”

To stay up to date with RDA GW news and the new committee, visit www.rdagw.org.au.

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New Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays Chair- Jeff Stewart-Harris

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In an evolving world, businesses must adapt to meet new challenges.

Sarina and District Community Financial Services Limited, the operator of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, has achieved certification as a Social Enterprise by Social Traders Australia. But what exactly does this entail?

Social Traders is an organisation in Australia that plays a significant role in supporting and certifying social enterprises. This certification is crucial because, as a certified enterprise, you give stakeholders assurance that you're creating genuine impact through trade.

Social Enterprises, like ours, are driven by a dual purpose: to generate profit for purpose and create meaningful societal impact. This resonates deeply with our core mission at Community Bank Sarina, where we have invested $3.8 million since 2005 to uplift our community.

This certification marks a significant milestone for us, making us the first Community Bank company in Queensland to achieve this recognition.

Through our Community Engagement Program, we channel our profits into initiatives that benefit our community, including community grants, sponsorships, donations, and scholarships. By doing so, we bolster the resilience of our region and create an environment where people succeed. If you want your banking to have a meaningful impact, look no further.

While offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and go beyond financial transactions. Our customers not only achieve their financial and lifestyle objectives with us but also contribute directly to positive change in their community.

As Social Enterprises emerge as the business models of the future, we take pride in our ability to invest directly in the prosperity of our community. We strive to be a business for good.

If you would like to learn more about us, come in to see the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Branch team at 37 Broad Street or call us on (07) 4943 2634 to talk about how we can help.

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Nothing beats a country show – the fanfare, the flavours and the family atmosphere has made the two-day Sarina Show and Rodeo a favourite amongst locals and visitors since starting in 1964.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has supported the Sarina Show Society for many years, continuing in 2024 with a Gold Sponsorship.

The 2024 Sarina Show and Rodeo, on 3-4 August, will have displays and exhibits, stud cattle, prime cattle and ring events, as well as the always popular rides and excitement of the sideshow alley. Fireworks and a Rodeo are held on the Saturday night, with live music to follow.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said the Bank was proud to continue investing in the highly anticipated local tradition.

“The Sarina Show and Rodeo is such an important event in our region that promotes community connection and celebrates our local fine arts and agricultural achievements,” Ms May said.

“Our community is proud of what our local show has become, and our investment assists the event in staying sustainable and improving year after year, benefiting our customers and the wider community.

“Community Bank Sarina is committed to contributing our profits to hundreds of community strengthening initiatives, aligning with our vision of fostering a strong, resilient region where locals are connected and empowered.”

Community Bank Sarina has invested in the greater Sarina community and provided support to youth and education through a wide range of sponsorships, community grants, scholarships and donations to the tune of over $3.8 million since opening in 2005.

To find out more about the Sarina Show Society and get tickets to this year’s show, visit their website https://www.sarinashowsociety.com.au or visit the Sarina Show Society Facebook page.

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Community Bank Sarina mascot Piggy having a wild ride at the Sarina Show and Rodeo

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CANEGROWERS has welcomed news that Wilmar and unions representing workers at the company's nine Queensland sugar mills have accepted a mediation offer from the Fair Work Commission.
 
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said he hoped the move signalled the beginning of the end for the long-running pay dispute that is affecting half of the industry and threatens to completely derail the season.
 
“Sugarcane farming families have been losing $4 million a day due to strike action at Wilmar mills, and we’ve seen the crush fall up to 20 per cent behind schedule in some districts,” Mr Menkens said.
 
“It's been clear for weeks that the parties had reached a stalemate in negotiations, so it’s well past time that we got this issue resolved.
 
“There are no winners in this situation, but there are very clear losers, that’s the cane growing families whose livelihoods are being devastated.
 
“I personally know growers who are losing tens of thousands a day during stoppages. These farmers have spent millions of dollars growing this crop and getting it ready to harvest. They face huge bills for fertiliser, chemicals, staffing, machinery, maintenance, and all the other costs associated with farming. So, they are not just losing their income, they are unable to continue servicing those huge debts that farmers must run up just to grow a crop.”

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
42,008
132,779
Average bin weight
3.87
3.80
CCS
13.10
12.85
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
29.7
12.72
Q253
8.7
13.38
Q240
23.0
13.26
Q138
2.4
9.37
Q208
15.1
13.28
SRA9
2.4
11.17
KQ228
10.5
14.61
Q250
2.2
13.51
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Comments:
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Plane Creek Mill processed just over 42,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just under 133,000 tonnes.
Throughput was disrupted early on Wednesday morning due to a bagasse belt choke which resulted in an 11-hour stoppage.
A cleaning intermission was conducted overnight Wednesday, leading into an extended stop caused by industrial action on Thursday.
Average CCS rose by 0.37 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 13.10 units. Standover cane made up 25 per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was shared between a rake of KQ228 1R from the Mt Christian productivity area and another rake of KQ228 3R from the Koumala productivity area – both with a CCS of 16.2 units.
Do not linger near any part of the rail network, and only cross the line using designated crossings.
Remember our locos are towing heavy loads and can take up to 1km to come to a complete stop.
Our cane trains are operating around the clock, seven days a week, during the crushing season.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Allan and Neville Hellmuth are not just genetically identical; they also have identical careers and interests.
The twins are both radiographers and sonographers at Mackay Base Hospital and both share a profound and deep connection to the ocean.
Both earned TE scores of 990 (equivalent to OP 1) and despite being offered university placements to study medicine and law, they both opted to take a gap year and join the family fishing business.
“But here’s the red herring; that gap year actually lasted 17 years,” Allan said.
“The headmaster at Gympie State High School was just horrified that two students who scored TE scores of 990 would opt to stay fishing instead of study,” Neville said.
As rare MCMA or monochorionic-monoamniotic twins, a condition in which twin babies live in one sac and share one placenta, their birth was incredibly rare. Neville arrived first.
“Although mum said a couple of years ago ‘I don’t know how to tell you this Nev, but I don’t know if you were actually born first’,” he said.
“They had us mixed up even back then.”
Ironically, it was an x-ray which confirmed their mother was carrying twins in her third pregnancy.
“There were no scans back in that day, so she had an x-ray at 40 weeks to make sure there was two babies in there – imagine if you did that today?”
The twins were raised in Tin Can Bay in south-east Queensland where their parents owned a large fishing company.
“We both wanted to take a gap year to earn some cash before we went to university. But it wasn’t until 17 years later that we actually went back to study at university,” Allan said.
The pair fished together and eventually owned their own trawlers, working nine months of the year fishing between Cairns and the Torres Strait.
Both answer in unison when asked what they loved about life at sea: “the freedom” and being the “third generation” to do it.
Family commitments ultimately changed both their career trajectories.
“My son wanted me to stay home; he would beg me ‘don’t go fishing dad’,” Allan said.
“My wife had had enough after 14 years and was sick of it, so I said I’ll come home then too,” Neville agreed.
Both decided they “had to do something” and that studying radiography full-time offered long-term opportunity and a stable career.
“The course itself was only three years which was shorter than other courses like engineering, and we knew there was definitely work at the end of the line,” Allan said.
Allan began his studies in 2003 aged 33 and Neville in 2004 aged 34, both at the Queensland University of Technology on the Sunshine Coast. They both completed post graduate studies through University of South Australia.
Allan, who is a team leader in the medical imaging department, has worked at Mackay Base Hospital for eight years after spending five years travelling Australia working as a locum.
Neville has been based in Mackay for just 12 months having spent the previous 11 years as a locum on the west coast of the country and in places like Norfolk Island, Geraldton, and Weipa. His first locum position was actually in Mackay.
“I really make his job easy now, because he’s my boss,” Neville said.
Although they now work together and have lunch together every day, the brothers try to surf or stand up paddle board together at North Wall as often as possible.
The pair still haven’t ruled out yet another occupation sea change.
“Never say never. They say you apparently have three major career changes in your life and we’ve already done two,” Neville said.
For now, they continue to enjoy their fulfilling work and the frequent double takes of clients and ongoing banter with colleagues in their department.
“My brother’s wife works in ICU so when I go up there, they always say ‘Hi Al,” Neville said.
“Sometimes I don’t even worry about correcting them.”
By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Twin brothers Allan and Neville Hellmuth navigate life's waves, sharing careers and passions at Mackay Base Hospital. Image source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Pests estimated to cost Australia tens of billions over coming decades will now find it much harder to enter the country, thanks to measures announced this week by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 
The department is launching AusTreat, a new pre-border biosecurity scheme designed to ensure overseas treatment providers target the right pests with the required treatment.
Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance Justine Saunders said AusTreat will enable a more efficient, future-ready biosecurity system to protect Australia from hitchhiker pests like the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).
“By redirecting resources to higher risk pathways, we can streamline border clearances for industry and consumers.”
“If the department has more confidence in treatments conducted on goods before they arrive in Australia, it reduces the need for manual intervention at our borders,” Ms Saunders said.
AusTreat is a government-to-industry scheme that will replace the existing Offshore BMSB Treatment Provider program and set the conditions for the regulation of pre-border biosecurity treatment providers.
“BMSB threatens our agricultural industries and way of life,” Ms Saunders said.
“It feeds on more than 300 agricultural and ornamental plant species including fruit and vegetable crops. 
“It is also a domestic nuisance. It is known to hide in houses in large numbers, exuding its signature stench through our living spaces.”
“AusTreat is a holistic, integrated scheme that is designed to respond quickly by targeting emerging biosecurity pests. In the future, AusTreat could expand to incorporate other existing schemes, as well as measures against future biosecurity risks.”
“This gives us the flexibility to respond to risk changes over time and increase our oversight of treatment providers in other countries.”

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Last week, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables reported that the unions have joined Wilmar in accepting an offer from the Fair Work Commission to assist in resolving a long-running enterprise agreement dispute.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Metal Workers Union (AMWU) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) informed Wilmar this morning that, following consultation with members, they were willing to participate in the Commission process.

A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the company hoped the unions’ agreement to accept the Commission’s offer of assistance would pave the way to reaching an enterprise agreement that is fair, reasonable and sustainable for all parties.

“We are optimistic that, with the expert help of a Commissioner from the Fair Work Commission, we will finally be able to close the gap between the company’s offer and union claims,” he said.

“At our last negotiation talks, we indicated we were willing to consider a wage increase of up to 15% over three-and-a-half years, with productivity improvements.

“Unions tabled a claim of 22% which is higher than their previous claim of 18%, so there is a significant gap between the parties.

“The range we have offered for settlement of the EA is fair, reasonable and based on both economic data and more than 4,500 enterprise agreements approved by the Fair Work Commission over the past year.”

The spokesman said that, given unions had now agreed to participate in discussions facilitated by the Fair Work Commission, it was hoped they would withdraw next week’s planned industrial action.

“Last week’s one-hour industrial stoppage caused significant disruption across all eight sites. It has also put growers at risk of losing an estimated $3.5M in revenue.

“The last thing we or growers want to see is another unnecessary shutdown of sugar factories, and another $3.5M in growers’ revenue at risk.

“The agreement from unions to participate in the Commission process is a positive development and we are hopeful of reaching a resolution through this process.”

The spokesman said Wilmar would inform the Commission of the parties’ agreement to accept its offer of assistance, and await guidance on the next steps.

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Many years ago I found myself relaxing under a tree in a big park in central New Delhi, desperate to peacefully escape the frenetic intensity of the city’s people, noise and bustling activity.
Sometimes it becomes too much in India and you need to have a break from it all; so I pulled my cap down over my forehead, closed my eyes and started to embrace the tranquillity. It lasted for five seconds.
“Excuse me, you want a drink? Can of coke?” “No thanks.” “Fanta?’ “No thanks”. The drink vendor left but another bloke immediately arrived.
“Shoe shine?” No thanks”. “Your shoes are very dirty”. “Yes, but I just want to sit here quietly by myself.”  “Okay”.
He left but was replaced straight away by another vendor, this time someone selling bongo drums. He gave me a quick burst of drumming and offered me a go. “No thanks mate. I don’t want any drums.  I just want to sit here quietly.”  “Okay.” He walked away.
Suddenly I felt someone behind me rubbing my neck. I quickly turned around. “What are you doing?” I asked. “You are very tense. I give you a massage.” “No, I don’t want a massage. I just want to sit here quietly and relax.” He rubbed my shoulder again and said, “Very tense”. I said, “Sorry I don’t want a massage” and he left and I pulled my cap over my eyes.
Within seconds there was a tap on my shoulder. I thought: “Who can this be? I’ve had the drinks bloke, the shoe-shine bloke, the bongo drum seller and the massage bloke. What’s left?”
I looked up at the young Indian man. He wasn’t carrying anything but I did notice some cotton buds poking out from his headband.
“You want an ear clean?” he asked. “No, definitely no. I don’t want my ears cleaned.”
He might have previously come across a degree of caution from potential clients who didn’t like the idea of a stranger sticking cotton buds into their ears. So he had a little book with hand-written testimonials from “clients” saying he was “the best ear-cleaner I have ever had” and “my hearing was so much better” after his work was done.
I said the answer was still no. He said: “Sure, sure, okay. Just a look. I will just have a look.” I said: “I’m not gonna let you clean my ears but, sure, have a look and then please go.”
He leaned over and peered into my right ear and, in the most dramatic, concerned voice he could muster, said: “Oh. My. God!” I suspected he never looked into a tourist’s ears and said: “Your ears are perfectly clean and you won’t be needing my services.” I laughed and said no again and he shook my hand and went on his way.
In Australia 30 years later there are different but unlimited services available to us and real estate is part of that.
Options and features for sellers are endless: Do you want video, drone shots, a floor plan, a boost for social media, open homes or private inspections? But wait, there’s more: can we have your rates notice, insurance documentation, smoke alarm certificate, rental records? The services, requests and options are different to those of a park in Delhi but I am sure sellers at times feel similarly overwhelmed.
The job of the agent is to do the best job possible and get the best price for a seller but it is also to understand the needs and desires of the client. Understand how and when to communicate, offer what’s available but understand that some people don’t want the lot.
Our job is to explain the value of the services we offer and the impact those features can have on getting the best possible price for a seller. Rarely does it involve an ear-clean.

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Anywhere you go around Mackay and the Whitsundays now, you’ll hear the familiar chorus of coughs and splutters – it’s flu season.
I’d dare say it’s a pretty bad one at that. One unwell person, who wasn’t even aware they were that ill, was in our office, and within three days there were only four people left standing. Some had received flu vaccines, and by all reports, their symptoms were much less severe. I, on the other hand, had not got a flu jab and spent the entire week regretting it.
Seeing as my past week has been consumed with chesty coughing, body aches, and a lot of Game of Thrones, I thought all I really have to offer you this week are my five tips for surviving this year’s flu.
   1. As I alluded to earlier, find a TV series you like with a lot of seasons because I’m not joking when I say this sickness will leave you bedridden. Game of Thrones has been a favourite for me with its eight seasons.
   2. Stock up on ginger! No, I’m not kidding. I had the worst nausea and vomiting from this flu, as have others I’ve spoken with. The ginger immunity shots you can get from Coles and Woolies were my saving grace after a week without being able to get any food down.
   3. Make a homemade pumpkin soup. If you have a pot and a blender, homemade pumpkin soup is so easy. A lot of supermarkets now even sell already chopped up pumpkin. Stick a large onion and a couple of peeled cloves of garlic in that, and you’ve got a flu-fighting super mix.
   4. Prevention is better than treatment, so if you can get the flu-fighting vitamins into you before any sickness sets in, you’ve already got the upper hand.
   5. Lastly, if you’re sick, stay home and rest. It’s the only thing that’s going to make you better. I’m a bit of a doer, so after a few days in bed, I thought I’d be right to go again. I came back to work and quickly realised that if I wasn’t lying flat on my back or only doing things in short bursts and then taking a rest in between, I got a lot worse very quickly. A chesty but non-productive cough is a pretty good sign you’re on the mend, but give yourself a couple of extra days just to be sure!

I hope everyone either avoids this awful bug or recovers quickly!

Kaley

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On Sunday evening Alannah Dawson’s worst nightmare came true when she returned to her street and saw black smoke billowing from her house. The mother of four had been out with the family for the day so fortunately no-one was home when the house caught fire, but within an hour of arriving, it was evident that all their belongings were destroyed.

Despite the trauma and tragedy, however, Allanah has nothing but appreciation for the people that have been by her side throughout – from close friends to colleagues, an off-duty fire fighter and complete strangers who donated $10.

“They say bad times always bring out the best in people, and we’ve really felt that over the last few days.”

Allanah Dawson with her four children, Jai, Miley and twin babies Kayleigh and Brody. The family lost everything in a house fire on Sunday evening. Photo supplied

FAMILY THANKFUL AFTER HEARTBREAKING HOUSE FIRE

It was Sunday evening around 6pm when local mum Allanah returned to her house where she resides with her four children, Jai (7), Miley (6) and nine-month old twins Kayleigh and Brody.

She had returned home from a day out, eager to let the dogs back into the house, when she pulled around the corner to see what looked like smoke billowing out of the building.

At first she thought it was a backyard fire, but as she drew close she realised the worst had happened; her home was on fire.

“My immediate reaction was to open the front door to see if I could do anything,” recalls Allanah.

“As soon as I opened the front door a wash of black smoke and heat came out – it was so hot it burnt my eyes!”

“At that point I realised this was pretty big and I needed to call triple zero.”

While she was waiting for QLD Fire Services (QFS) to arrive, an off-duty fire fighter who happened to be in the area came onto the property and offered to help.

With a household fire extinguisher, he entered the building and started to bring the fire under control.

“He was there for about 20 minutes before the firies arrived and, without him, I don’t know what would have happened,” shared Allanah.

Fortunately, QFS were quick to the scene and within an hour the fire was completely extinguished. The house, however, was deemed unliveable - everything was either saturated or destroyed - and Allanah was told she would not be able to stay.

With no belongings and still in shock from everything that had unfolded, Allanah reached out to friends. Her children’s father lived close-by and was able to provide shelter and familiarity for the children in the immediate aftermath.

The following day, the community outpouring of support gained momentum as people discovered what had happened.

Allanah said she found each phone call, donation and offer of support truly humbling.

She would like to thank her boss, Keith, at Sailing Whitsundays, and all her work colleagues for helping her set-up a GoFundMe page.

She would also like to thank her two close friends Nadine Little and Wylie Jones for everything they have done.

In addition, the staff at BIG W (where her mum worked for 17 years before she passed away  in 2022) for setting up a donation box and jumping into action.

“The community has been amazing, and we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else at a time like this,” Allanah expressed.

“We’ve lost a lot, but it’s been made a lot easier to move forward because of the generosity and kindness of the people around us.

“We’d like to thank everyone who donated – people have donated $10 and I know what it’s like to have no money, times are tough – so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

It is believed the fire started from the stove in the kitchen and investigations are looking into the possibility a cat may have jumped on the stove-top and accidentally turned it on.

The damage from the fire is most significant in the kitchen and extended up into the roof and over to the lounge and dining room.

Alarmingly, Allanah’s oldest son’s bedroom was right next to the kitchen, with the bed against the kitchen wall.

“After I saw the damage to his bed, I vowed I would never put a bed next to the kitchen ever again,” she said.

Allanah returned to the property the following day with a real estate representative and she expressed how helpful and compassionate Ray White have been throughout the process.

“They have been absolutely amazing!” she said.

“They’ve already found a suitable property for us to move into which has taken such a massive stress off my shoulders, they have been really accommodating.”

Despite having to start from scratch, Allanah said there were a few sentimental items she was able to salvage.

“There were photos from when my mum passed away two years ago, all her childhood photos that had no digital copies,” said Allanah.

“We were able to get in and get them the following day, they were a bit burnt around the edges and wet from the hoses, but we were able to separate them and save the majority.”

On Wednesday this week the children were able to return to school with donated school uniforms and new school bags – despite the trauma and shock still raw with the family, this moment represented a small piece of normalcy returning and a slow, steady rise towards a happier future ahead.

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Queensland Fire Services attended the scene and extinguished the fire on Sunday night. Photo supplied

The kitchen where the fire started. Photo supplied

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